The analysis discusses current migration policy of different EU member states as well as the EU response to the growing complexity of the issue. Contemporary migration flows in Europe have changed their character over the past decades. According to the author, policies adopted by European countries do not reflect new reality, in which immigrants tend to prefer short-term stays in numerous countries over the long-term, one-country settlement.
The paper points at current migration policies of EU member states, which have become too complex and difficult to track. They mostly cover immigrants willing to settle down permanently and tend to ignore those that are much more mobile, such as international students, temporary workers and newcomers from the 8 new EU member states with restricted mobility rights.
The author addresses the issue of incompatibility between well-developed migration policies and often neglected integration policies. Lack of effective integration policies for the above-mentioned categories of migrants is likely to generate social exclusion. She argues that a comprehensive and flexible approach, based on information and greater civil society involvement is a key to successful integration.
Among proposals are: • Introduction of integration programmes for all newcomers from day one • Setting up of common standards for introductory programmes • European Commission's involvement in coordination and standardisation of services offered to temporary migrants (such as a common code of conduct). • Establishing an Integration Fund to support local capacity-building.
The author concludes by underlining the distinct connection between workers' mobility and migratory policies – Europe's economic needs have to meet migrants' social needs.
